Rails to Trails runs parallel to Plains Boulevard, stretching from downtown to the Medical Center. As long as it's a construction site, the contractor, Fuller & Sons Construction, has liability for it.

But the park's design makes protecting it difficult. Several streets interrupt the trail.

"Obviously, we can't barricade the length of it off," said Josh Fuller, project director.

The entire path has been laid, as well as some benches and gazebos.

Crews are working on a concrete fence, but the majority of what's left is landscaping.

"It's going good. We're probably looking at the end of September, first of October (for a completion date)," Fuller said. "Just in time for cold weather," he said with a laugh.

That will be completion of the first phase of the park, Jackson said.

A later phase will include adding a soft-surface running track next to the concrete trail, he said.

The park also has the potential to be extended west or east along the abandoned railroad line on which the park is situated, he said.

"It looks like from the use it's getting now, (future development) will be quicker than later," Jackson said. "Nothing's ever happened like this in Amarillo. It's exciting."